Visitor information

Welcome to England's only true mountain forest

Whinlatter is home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play.

Set within the Lake District, a World Heritage Site, Whinlatter has unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. It is also home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District. 

The Lakes are a dramatic and unique landscape which has been formed through man’s activities, such as forestry and land management. This landscape has inspired many of the world’s greatest artists, writers and thinkers.

Forest event
19 October, 13 December, 4 January, 28 February, 29 March & 10 May
Start 9am
Park at visitor centre main car park
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! 

Held in England’s only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery...

Forest event
Saturday 15 November
Start 6pm
Meet at Visitor Centre
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.

The guided walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all your...

Forest event
22 November
10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm

Join photographer Steve Blake for a 2-hour taster session.

Head into the forest and visit a series of nearby locations to explore different elements and techniques of landscape...

Forest event
Saturday 22 November or Sunday 23 November
Saturday 6pm to 8pm, Sunday 1pm to 3pm
Meet at yurt

Cosy up for a Christmassy crafting experience in our snug yurt and create your own handmade Christmas wreath! 

Wreaths, moss and natural products, ribbon etc. are provided. Bring...

Food and drink

A couple enjoying coffee and cake at a wooden table with a forest visible through the window behind them

Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter

Whether you fancy a hot drink to start your visit, a warming meal or snack after your walk or ride or even a Sunday dinner then Cafe Ambio is the place to be! With a wide range of mouth-watering dishes, a warm and welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff who are always happy to help be sure to pop in next time you visit.

Whether you've just bought your first bike, or you're looking for your next adrenaline fix, Whinlatter Forest puts the mountain back into biking, with climbs to amazing views and...

Stunning scenery, a higher calorie burn and increased mental wellbeing are just a few things to look forward to when you run in England's only true mountain forest.

Supported by...

Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Whinlatter Forest. It's the perfect way to celebrate the festive season together with friends and family.

What to expect on the

...

Whinlatter is home to stunning views and offers some fantastic walks. There are many miles of gravel roads, surfaced paths and tracks to explore.

Each junction is marked with a...

Two men cycling along a forest trail with a mountain visible behind them

Trail maps

Walking, running or biking - there's plenty to enjoy at Whinlatter! Plan your visit today.

Nearby forests

Dodd Wood from Bassenthwaite Lake

Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to enjoy some of the most stunning views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will take you deep into the woodland and walk...

View of forest and hills from Carron Crag trail at Grizedale

Breath-taking views, stunning artwork and endless forest trails, come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer!

Explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back and keep...

A view from a mountain looking down a wooded valley

Lying on the north western edge of the Lake District National Park, Ennerdale is home to some of England’s most vibrant natural environments and one of the longest running wild...

View of Pillar from Blengdale Forest viewpoint

Discover a variety of outdoor experiences at Blengdale Forest, from a gentle walk up the valley of the River Bleng to a cycle ride around the forest roads. 

From the highest points...

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